Mad Hatter's Tea
Host an Alice-inspired tea party!
Alice in Pop-Up Wonderland by J. Otto Seibold: Use this book to inspire a terrific tea party.
What you need:
• Alice in Pop-Up Wonderland, by J. Otto Seibold (optional)
• pitcher
• glass jar
• tea ingredients (see below)
• cups
• cookie ingredients (see below)
• napkins
What to do:
1. If available, read Alice in Pop-Up Wonderland with your child. If not, tell your child the story of Alice, and how she falls down a rabbit hole to find herself in a mixed-up "wonderland." In this world, she attends a silly tea party, led by a funny man wearing a hat.
2. Invite your child to create a tea party of his own! Use your favorite recipes for tea and cookies, or try our mint tea and sugar cookies.
3. As you make the various treats, let your child help measure, pour, and stir the ingredients. How does the mixture change as he adds different ingredients?
4. Party time! Who would your child like to invite? Options might include stuffed animals, imaginary friends, or real friends and siblings. Let your child set out napkins and cups for each guest. Encourage everyone to wear a favorite hat!
Mint Tea
What you need:
• water
• sugar
• fresh mint
What to do: Add sugar to water until the water is slightly sweet. Add several sprigs of mint, and pour the mixture into a glass jar. Allow the mixture to sit in the sun for 2-3 hours. Strain out the leaves, pour the "tea" over ice, and enjoy!
Sugar Cookies
What you need:
• 1½ cups sugar
• 1 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon extract
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 pinch salt
What to do:
1. Mix the butter and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and lemon extracts. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend into a soft dough. Cover dough and refrigerate overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. On a floured surface, roll the dough out until it is ¼ inch thick. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters, and place on ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.
Learning benefits:
• supports measurement skills
• provides practice with observation
• encourages creativity
